Journal of the Senate FIRST REGULAR SESSION THIRD DAY—MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 The Senate met pursuant to adjournment. President Kehoe in the Chair. The Reverend Carl Gauck offered the following prayer: “Like good servants of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” (1 Peter 4:10) Wondrous God, we thank You for our safe travel and the wonderous day this is for so many. We ask, O Lord Your blessings and guidance for our Governor and Lt. Governor as they begin another term leading us as You would have them. And let us continue to serve one another as we share our gifts and talents we have been given and may we share the joy of being here and working with each other to provide what is indeed most helpful and necessary for the people we serve. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited. A quorum being established, the Senate proceeded with its business. The Journal for Thursday, January 7, 2021, was read and approved. The following Senators were present during the day’s proceedings: Present—Senators Arthur Bean Beck Bernskoetter Brattin Brown Burlison Cierpiot Crawford Eigel Eslinger Gannon Hegeman Hoskins Hough Koenig Luetkemeyer May Moon Mosley O’Laughlin Onder Razer Rehder Riddle Rizzo Roberts Rowden Schatz Schupp Washington White Wieland Williams—34 Absent—Senators—None Absent with leave—Senators—None Vacancies—None The Lieutenant Governor was present. 75 76 Journal of the Senate RESOLUTIONS Senator Hoskins offered Senate Resolution No. 12, regarding Captain Jerry T. Shafer, Utica, which was adopted. Senator White offered Senate Resolution No. 13, regarding Judy Stiles, Joplin, which was adopted. Senator White offered Senate Resolution No. 14, regarding Bill Hunt, Joplin, which was adopted. Senator Rowden moved that the Senate recess until 12:30 p.m. and the Senators repair to the South steps of the Capitol where they will meet the House of Representatives in Joint Session to witness the Inauguration of the newly elected Governor, Michael L. Parson, and receive his message, which motion prevailed. JOINT SESSION The Senate and the House of Representatives met in Joint Assembly on the steps of the Capitol where President Pro Tem Schatz called the Joint Assembly to order. Welcome was extended by the Honorable Dave Schatz, President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate. The Invocation was offered by Dr. Billy Russel, First Baptist Church of Bolivar. Alicia and Jonathan House sang the National Anthem. John Sanders, former JAG student, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Colors were presented by the Missouri Army National Guard. Rabbi Yosef David and Pastor John Modest Miles led the audience in today’s Scripture reading. The Honorable Thomas Albus, Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit, administered the oath of office to Attorney General-elect Eric Schmitt. The Honorable Johnnie Cox, Associate Circuit Judge for the 39th Judicial Circuit, administered the oath of office to State Treasurer-elect Scott Fitzpatrick. The Honorable Jon Beetem, Presiding Circuit Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit, administered the oath of office to Secretary of State-elect John R. (Jay) Ashcroft. The Honorable Mary Russell, Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, administered the oath of office to Lieutenant Governor-elect Mike Kehoe. The oath of office was administered to Governor-elect Michael L. Parson by the Honorable Sarah Castle, Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Court. Immediately after administration of the oath, military honors were rendered to Governor Parson with the firing of a nineteen gun salute by the Missouri National Guard. Governor Parson delivered his Inaugural Address: 2021 BICENTENNIAL INAUGURAL ADDRESS GOVERNOR MICHAEL L. PARSON “MISSOURI SHINES ON” Good afternoon! Thank you everyone for being here today. Senator Schatz, thank you for the kind introduction. I am honored to stand before you as the 57th Governor of the great State of Missouri. I want to begin by thanking my wife Teresa, the First Lady, for her love and support through the years. She brings grace and class to this state, and I could not be more proud to call her my wife. Third Day—Monday, January 11, 2021 77 And my son Kelly, my daughter Stephanie, their spouses, and my six grandchildren. They are what life is all about. They make me a better person, and I love each and every one of them. I thank them for being part of my life. I’m so grateful to also have my two brothers and the rest of my family here today. And to the Members of the General Assembly, I want to thank you for your service. I look forward to working with you for the next four years. To the former governors, thank you for being here as well, and thank you for your service to the people of Missouri. I would also like to thank: * The Missouri Supreme Court, * Members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation, * Members of the Cabinet, * My staff, * and distinguished guests. I also want to thank my fellow Missourians who have joined us here at the Capitol, and those watching at home. Thank you for sharing this special moment. Almost 200 years ago, the great State of Missouri was established. This year will mark the 200th anniversary of Missouri’s entry as the 24th state in the United States. What a great year to celebrate Missouri and its history, along with all its people. As I stand here before you, I am reminded of the hard work, passion, and love so many people have for Missouri. The countless hours people have spent to provide a strong foundation that gives so many people hope and opportunity in their lives. As we keep building upon this foundation, we will only get stronger. This is why Missouri is a great place to live. Why so many people have invested their lives into making Missouri a place for everyone. When I travel across Missouri, I meet so many different people … but regardless of where we come from, we ALL want what’s best for our families and our state. From rural areas to the big cities, Missouri offers so much to so many … and others want to come to Missouri because of our values, our hard work, and our common sense approach. That is the Missouri I know. That is the Missouri I love! That’s why I am confident in our future. As we closed the chapter on 2020, we all had time to reflect. There were sad times, tough times, and exciting times. And through it all … Missourians prevailed. Despite the challenges, the heartbeat of our state continues to pump STRONG! We have been faced with sacrifices, uncertainty, and tragedy … but with each moment of darkness, there seems to return a tenfold of hope. Missourians are STRONG. Missourians are COURAGEOUS. Missourians are FAMILY. The spirit of our state is composed, positive, and uplifting … it is alive, and it is well! As the leader of this state, it is my job to make life better for EVERY Missourian. This State is more than my house. It is my HOME. I will care for the unborn to the elderly, the rich to the poor … REGARDLESS of the color of your skin. I see each of you. I want the best for ALL of you. It is a challenging yet incredible responsibility to lead this state. With a great sense of duty, a thankful heart, and devotion to Missourians, I accept the position of Governor of the great state of Missouri. Today, I have taken this oath with honor and pride. I will serve ALL Missourians, and do everything I can to make your lives better. I will continue working hard to give doctors and nurses the tools they need to care for Missourians. I will continue working hard to give law enforcement officers the tools they need to keep Missourians safe. I will continue working hard to give farmers the tools they need to succeed from sun up to sun down. 78 Journal of the Senate I will continue working hard to give teachers the tools they need to educate our children. I will continue working hard each day for ALL Missourians … and TOGETHER, we can move Missouri in a direction of hope and opportunity… There’s a spark of Missouri hope and courage born in all of us … and what we do with it is up to us. The work to be done is not up to me alone. It is shared by all of us. We have seen some challenging days together … but when it is hard to find the light, sometimes all you need is a spark to get the fire going again. Even in the darkest times – Missouri shines on. Sunny days ARE ahead! It is with your strong compassion, courage, and heart that I will lead … and we will ALL succeed. Hard working, God-fearing, decent folks. That’s who we are. THAT is Missouri! I am humbled and honored by the trust you have placed in me to lead this great state. Missourians, I tell you today … that it is OUR time. It is OUR time to preserve the American dream! It is an honor and privilege to be the 57th Governor of the State of Missouri. God bless you, God bless the great State of Missouri, and God bless the United States of America! The Benediction was pronounced by the Most Reverend Bishop Shawn McKnight. The Colors were retired by the Missouri Army National Guard. The Joint Session of the 101st General Assembly was adjourned by President Pro Tem Schatz.